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Its former CEO John Riccitiello stepped down in March due to "shortcomings" in the company's performance.

music-biz news, every weekday.Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello to Step Down

The company behind popular game franchises such as "Madden," "Need for Speed" and "Battlefield" has cut costs and improved its focus on mobile and digital business to help survive. has tapped an insider to lead the company, naming Andrew Wilson as its new CEO.

View the discussion thread.Probst said that Wilson's appointment reflects the board's belief that the company is on track to become the global leader in interactive games and services.The Redwood City, Calif., company's announcement Tuesday comes after a six-month search.By Associated Press | September 18, 2013 6:30 AM EDT

Wilson joined the video game publisher in 2000 and is the company's executive vice president of EA sports and its online portal for digital games and services. He plans to provide more details in the coming weeks on the plans to improve the company's future.

Join the conversation Print. Profit in its latest quarter, which ended in June, increased 10 percent to $222 million.

Shares of EA increased 64 cents to close at $27.60 but slipped 14 cents in after-hours trading to $27.46.

Electronic Arts Names Andrew Wilson CEO | Billboard

EA and other traditional video game companies are trying to adjust to changing consumer preference for mobile devices and cheap, or free, online games instead of buying expensive packaged titles.Get Billboard's Morning Fix: The latestThe online extension of Billboard magazine, Billboard.biz is the essential online destination for the music business.

Wilson said in an online statement that the company made strong gains in the first half of the year but still needs to finish the job. EA's current CEO - Larry Probst - will continue to serve as the company's executive chairman for an indefinite period.